Spreader Worried about the manure spreader

[mundamanu]

I recently purchased a property that came with a bunch of equipment. One thing was a New Holland manure spreader (I don't remember the model number, but 3-4 cu yd. is the size, I think). The previous owner was supposed to have emptied the spreader before he left. It turns out that he didn't and it is full of horse manure. It also turns out that I didn't notice until after the tractor broke while I was mowing a pasture, so I couldn't empty the spreader myself (of course, I could have emptied it by hand, but I didn't think of that at the time). Then I had to leave the new place and get back to the old place.

Here's the question. The manure has been in the spreader for a week already. If I follow my current schedule, I will not be back at the property for two and a half weeks, making it a total of three and a half weeks that the manure will be sitting in the spreader. Is this so bad for a wood-bottomed spreader that I need to get the manure out of it before the end of two and a half more weeks? If it is necessary, I can bail out of a family trip and go back up there this weekend and empty the spreader by hand. If it can wait, then I'll just let it wait.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Dabota]

Let it wait, just don't make it a habit.

 

[RonR]

I'd throw an old tarp over it to keep it drier. Don't want it getting wet and turning to one big chunk!

ron

 

[gabby]

If it's fresh or damp manure it's going to be hot and the combination of moisture and heat is bad for the wood floor and the steel cross bars and sheet metal it's in contact with. I never leave manure in my spreader, even overnight, because I've seen the results.

 

[Junkman]

Manure is best if emptied from the horse and the spreader on the same day. If it were mine, I would break out the shovel and start shoveling. The manure is quite corrosive to the metal and you don't want to risk damaging a piece of equipment any more than necessary. While you are cleaning it out, consider pressure washing and giving it a coat of paint.....

 

[To20Chris]

Guys, the problem is that he's not there now!

Mundamanu, I wouldn't loose sleep over it, there's enough to worry about with out having to loose sleep over some old horse s--t! It isn't the best idea to leave it in there, as others have said, but clean it up as best you can when you go back. Chances are if he left it that way, it probably isn't the first time, and so you doing it once more won't matter much.

 

[mundamanu]

Thank you To20Chris for pointing out that I not there! I was starting to feel like banging my head against the keyboard. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif I probably should have made it clearer that I am now five hours away.

Anyway, I am going to take the risk and just leave it. At the very least it will be a good science project. I will report the degree of deterioration once I get it emptied.

 

[beenthere]

The 'leave it there just this time' is what I would do, as well. The metal will take a bigger hit than the wood.

Under normal use, getting the wood clean and DRY is the saving factor to slow wood decay. The 'first day out and spread' routine is the best. Keeping the spreader dry between haulings is the best for the wood. Rain and continued wetness is the worst for the wood as it is the best condition for decay. A one-time, two-week stay with horse manure will not have much affect on the wood. Just get it dry as soon as possible after that time. Wood spreaders should be stored under a roof.

I have the experience with the wood, much more than I have with the horse manure /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[rockinmywaypa]

I was a little concerned that you were thinking of putting an old poop spreader ahead of family time.

 

[Soundguy]

I agree with the others.. Let it wait.. and also.. if the wood was well maintained.. I.e. painted or treated.. it won't nearly be as effected as raw wood.. etc.

In fact.. after yuo do get it emptied.. if it isn't treated or painted.. I would hit it with as much black asphalt fence paint as you can get it to soak up and hold.

That black fence paint is cheap.. 5 gal is less than 15$ most places.. protects wood GREAT.. and is ok for protecting the metal as well. Once cured.. that asphalt material is just about environmentally inert.. so no health hazards.. also, it stands up to chemicals very well.

Your biggest problem is going to be getting the poop out.. Horse maneuer will get pretty stiff and set up.. not hard like concrete.. but .. um.. thick and fibery. Still.. a good honey wagon should get it broke up.. and NH builds a good one.

Soundguy